Top Company 2023: Architecture & Interior Design

Now in its 36th year, ColoradoBiz magazine’s Top Company Awards program recognizes businesses and organizations based in Colorado or with a significant presence in the state that are leading the way in their fields, as demonstrated by financial performance, notable company achievements and community engagement.

To be considered, Top Company entrants submitted applications throughout the year online at ColoradoBiz.com. From those entries, which numbered in the hundreds, the magazine’s editorial board narrowed the field to three finalists (in most cases) in each industry category. A judging panel made up of area business leaders and ColoradoBiz staff then met to compare notes on the finalists and decide winners in 14 industries plus the Startup category, for companies in business four years or less.

Congratulations are in order not only to the 41 winners and finalists profiled on the following pages, but to all the companies that took the time to tell us about their achievements and obstacles surmounted over the past year that make them worthy of Top Company consideration.

Winner — Sopher Sparn Architects

Boulder, CO 

Website: www.sophersparn.com 

Founded in 1978, Sopher Sparn Architects (SSA) designs a wide range of residential, institutional, commercial and retail projects, while also consulting on master planning, entitlement and interior design. Principals Stephen Sparn, Adrian Sopher and Erin Bagnall lead the 18-employee firm today. 

Sustainable design is a core tenet at SSA, says Syd Berkowitz, marketing and operations manager. “From every phase of our design process to our projects’ climate impact, studio operations and education for our staff, clients and communities, we strive to be impactful industry leaders,” she says. “Our goal is to ensure that every building we design makes a meaningful contribution toward climate well-being and environmental preservation. Our objective for the architectural structures we design is [for them] to function as carbon sinks, effectively sequestering a greater amount of carbon than they emit.” 

Berkowitz also highlighted SSA’s community engagement. “We pledge to be active in our local Colorado communities and engage in outreach opportunities as a team,” she says, noting that the firm’s employees work with Sun Valley Youth Center, the Colorado Green Building Guild, PorchFest, ULI Colorado and SpeakUp Arvada. 

SSA is ultimately about the people, she adds, and it shows. “We establish our work environment through celebration, community, enrichment and wellness,” Berkowitz says. “We celebrate holidays, birthdays, wins and Friday afternoons. We contribute to our local communities and use our offices as hubs for Halloween contests, happy hours and potlucks. We encourage our team members to continue their education and studies through trainings and classes. And most importantly, we support the wellness and well-being of our team through daily walks, bagel Tuesdays and mental health time.”